Newtown Officials Approves Revised Deed Restrictions for 6 Commerce Road

NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council voted unanimously Jan. 7 to accept revised deed restrictions for town-owned open space at 6 Commerce Road, clearing the way for updated covenants while keeping the property preserved for passive recreation.

The vote followed months of public discussion about the 11-acre parcel, which was conveyed to the town under restrictive covenants. The revised deed reflects changes authorized by a 2025 special act of the General Assembly that allows the town to modify previously unauthorized uses of municipal land.

Council member Eric Paradis made the motion to approve the revised deed restrictions. Chris Gardner, the council’s vice chair, seconded the motion. The measure passed without opposition.

The council also approved multiple referrals to committees for further review. An amendment to Ordinance 67, related to Commerce Road, was referred to the Ordinance Committee on a motion by Gardner, seconded by Donna Rhatelli. A separate motion by Keith Alexander, seconded by Ben Rubin, sent Ordinance 63 to the same committee.

In committee appointments, the council confirmed Donna Rahtelli, Ben Ruben, Eric Paradis, Jordanna Bloom, Lily MacHugh, and Chris Gardner, to serve on the Appointments Committee; and Stephen Stolfi, Michelle Embree Ku, Keith Alexander, Arnie Berman, Chris Eide and Laura Miller to the Charge Committee, of the Charter Revision Commission. The appointments were approved unanimously.

Council Chair Laura Miller reported that the Ordinance Committee has three ordinances under active review, with two additional proposals forthcoming. The committee’s first formal meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5.

The council also received a strategic plan update on the town’s Medical Self-Insurance Fund from Finance Director Glenys Salas, who reported that rising medical claims and inflation-adjusted cost increases have contributed to a projected $3.5 million fund deficit as of June 30, 2025. Salas said claims over $50,000 have increased sharply since 2020 and that a six-year recovery plan is underway to restore the fund’s balance.

Salas told the council that premiums for fiscal year 2027 include an 11 percent increase for medical insurance and a 3 percent increase for dental coverage, with discounted rates for employee groups that adopt certain managed-care provisions.

The council took no formal action on the insurance update.

No special reports were presented, and there was no voter comment at the close of the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m.